A brief overview of the status of 53 Neighbors United and the project

The Route 53 Project is split up into three sections for the purposes of IDOT planning.

• Route 53 from North Avenue (IL 64) to Roosevelt Road (IL 38)
• Route 53 from Roosevelt Road  (IL38) to Butterfield Road (IL 56)
• Route 53 from Butterfield Road (IL 56) to Osage Drive

Each of these is in a different stage of design.

Route 53 from North Avenue to Roosevelt Road

This section of the road has been to public hearing, IDOT is currently accepting public input through September 2, 2004.  IDOT will review all the public input, make any changes to the design they deem necessary.  Construction is funded for the section from North Avenue to St. Charles Road and for the bridge over the East Branch of the DuPage river (just west of I-355 underpass).  Construction could begin in 2006.

The current plan widens the road, which is two to four lanes at various points, to four-lane divided highway from North Avenue to Roosevelt Road, with two lanes in each direction separated by a median that would serve as a left-turn lane at some intersections.  In Lombard the median will be 12 feet wide and vegetated.  In Glen Ellyn, due to space restrictions, it will be only 6 feet wide.

Based on input from 53 Neighbors United, residents, and local officials the number of turn opportunities has been increased.  Left-turn lanes are now planned at Spring Avenue and DuPage Boulevard/Baker Hill Drive in Glen Ellyn, at both ends of Parkview Boulevard in Lombard and at Lombard's Madison Street, St. Charles Road, Meadow Avenue, Pleasant Lane, North Avenue and at the hotel entrance just south of North Avenue.  Additionally there would be U-turn cutouts in the median near Wilson Avenue and south of the Union Pacific Railroad overpass.  Bryant Avenue in Glen Ellyn will be restricted to right turns only.  New Traffic signals are planned at Surrey Drive, Madison Avenue, and Meadow Avenue.

Sidewalks and off-road bike paths are planned for Route 53.  Sidewalks will be five feet wide and set back from the road five feet.  Bicycle paths will be 8 to 12 feet wide and will connect the Great Western Trail and Illinois Prairie Path.

53 Neighbors United's focus for this section of Route 53 going forward will be focused on:

• Continuing to work with neighbors and IDOT to refine the design
• Lobbying for funding for sidewalks and bike paths
• Working with residents and IDOT to ensure residents whose property is taken get fair compensation for their land.

Route 53 from Roosevelt Road to Butterfield Road

This section of road is currently not in IDOT's multi-year Highway Improvement Plan.  53 Neighbors United will continue to monitor IDOT's plans for this stretch of road.

Route 53 from Butterfield Road to Osage Drive

IDOT is in design phase I.  53 Neighbors United has already had several meeting with IDOT to discuss plans.  Some of the key concerns for residents are:

• Flooding issues
• Turning opportunities off and on to Route 53
• Land acquisition
• Number of lanes

53 Neighbors United Newsletters

For more information on the history, project sections and updates please read the most recent newsletter.

July 2006 Newsletter